Thank you, Drew, for your visionary leadership

I am writing in support of Drew Reisinger for the register of deeds. In two short years, Drew has used the power of the office to ensure equality and inclusion for all the citizens of Buncombe County in numerous ways.

When children are born in Buncombe County, it is the responsibility of the register of deeds to record their names on a certificate of birth. Drew has reviewed the protocol for hyphenated names of families, which is especially common in Latino families where children are given the surnames of both parents. Drew aims to have the names of newborns recorded exactly as the parents wish it. He has also added people who speak Spanish to the staff of the registry.

Prior to 1865, human beings in Buncombe County could be transferred as property from one person to another. These records were known to those familiar with the requirements for registering deeds. Using the power of the Internet for transparency and the increase of knowledge, Drew made the bills of sale for slaves available online. These primary sources will benefit both adult researchers and high-school students along with providing another source of genealogical materials for those seeking to better understand their family history.

When the register of deeds was faced with the acts of civil disobedience by those protesting the inequality of marriage rights in North Carolina, he addressed the situation respectfully for all concerned. Drew trained his staff to both refuse the request, which was required by law, and show respect for the demonstrators, which is required by common decency and compassion in the face of an arguably unjust law.

Thank you, Drew for your visionary leadership for the register of deeds. You exemplify the principles of democracy, “With Liberty and Justice for All.”